Jake laughed along with Kerr. The idea of Sabrina and he poking the ring and getting their eyebrows burned off was an image he needed. He felt silly for assuming Kerr meant he'd put it on. Only a fool would do that, or someone who needed to prevent their own mind from being invaded. He also feared being that vulnerable. His reputation for using Dominate in the city was strong and intentionally spread. It deterred attacks and made others think twice before running afoul of the Anarch prince. Ben had the book, but wasn't giving it to him, and not even to Sabrina anytime soon.
More fucking smokescreens, delays and passive aggressiveness, Jake internally grumbled. Ben would have no chance of hearing that thought, but Kerr who was older, might hear a part of it, or at least sense Jake's frustration. He had really worked on his face a lot though, and remained looking interested. It wasn't quite no, but it was "don't call me, I'll call you." Jake wanted to speak to Kerr privately as he thought that was going better than he and Ben. Still, he knew he had to play nice.
"Thank you Ben. I'll let her know to expect it," he said plainly, and gave another winning smile. It was the one that often won Jake dates, although he was not flirting. He was just trying to look less smug. When Ben spoke about the Academy Jake was a little grateful. He wanted his constituents to have this resource and was pleased that despite his issues with Ben, that he was prioritizing the students. He would never tell Ben that he was grateful though. He would never show him such vulnerability again. He'd gotten it all at Charon's home and attacked him the whole time. That had been a deep wound.
"My offer to fund anything you need for the Academy stands as well. Just send me the bill and I'll take care of it. Thank you for making that decision Ben."
He meant it. He really did. He wondered if Ben would sense that.
